Description

Method and Theory in Archaeology

Archaeology: A Brief Introduction is an introduction to the fundamental principles of method and theory in archaeology, exposing students to archaeology as a career. The text begins by covering the goals of archaeology, and then moves on to consider the basic concepts of culture, time, and space, by discussing the finding and excavation of archaeological sites.

By providing a distinct emphasis on the ethics behind archaeology, and how we should act as stewards of the finite records of the human past, Archaeology: A Brief Introduction continues to be a book with a truly international perspective, not simply focusing on North America or Europe.

Teaching and Learning Experience

Personalize Learning - MySearchLab delivers proven results in helping students succeed, provides engaging experiences that personalize learning, and comes from a trusted partner with educational expertise and a deep commitment to helping students and instructors achieve their goals.

Improve Critical Thinking - Archaeology: A Brief Introduction’s "Archaeology and You" chapter provides students with career advice in an era when archaeology is transitioning from predominantly academic to professional.

Engage Students - Each chapter within Archaeology: A Brief Introduction highlights important finds that have shaped our archaeological perspective, and a global perspective that shows students that archaeology is the most global of all sciences, encompassing all of humanity.

Support Instructors - Teaching your course just got easier! You can create a Customized Text or use our Instructor’s Manual, Electronic “MyTest” Test Bank or PowerPoint Presentation Slides. Plus, Archaeology: A Brief Introduction is ideal for the introductory archaeology classroom, as it is designed for complete beginners, keeping technical jargon to a minimum without sacrificing scholarship.

Note: MySearchLab does not come automatically packaged with this text. To purchase MySearchLab, please visit www.MySearchLab.com or you can purchase a valuepack of the text + MySearchLab (VP ISBN-10: 0205245188, VP ISBN-13: 9780205245185)

Chapter 1: Fossils, Cities, and Civilizations: The Birth of a Science What Is Archaeology? Discovery Tutankhamun’s Tomb, Egypt, 1922 The Beginnings of Archaeology The Three Ages and the Antiquity of Humankind The Discovery of the Ancient Civilizations The Ancient Egyptians The Assyrians and Sumerians Troy and Mycenae Early American Archaeology The “Moundbuilders” Maya Civilization Southwestern Archaeology and the Direct Historical Approach Diversity, Diffusion, and Human Progress “From Them to Us”: Unilinear Evolution Diffusionism: How Did Civilization Spread? The Development of Modern Scientific Archaeology Scientific Excavation Archaeology and Ecology Scientific Methods “From Them to Us”: Contemporary Archaeological Theory Ecological/Evolutionary Approaches Historical Materialist Approaches Summary Questions for Discussion

Chapter 2: Introducing Archaeology and Prehistory The Tourist, the Collector, and the Archaeologist Discovery An Anglo-Saxon Ship Burial at Sutton Hoo, England, 1939 Who Needs and Owns the Past? What Do Archaeologists Do? Anthropology, Archaeology, and History Archaeologists on the Job Many Sites, Many Archaeologists Why Does Archaeology Matter? Mysteries of the Past A Sideline: Pseudoarchaeology Archaeology and Human Diversity Archaeology as a Political Tool Archaeology and Economic Development The Irresistible Lure of the Past The Prehistory of Humankind According to Archaeologists Early Prehistory The Origins and Spread of Modern Humans The Origins of Food Production The Origins of States (Civilizations) European Expansion Summary Questions for Discussion

Chapter 14: Managing the Past Legislating the Past Discovery African-American Burial Ground, New York City, 1991 Laws Some Cultural-Resource-Management Legislation in the United States, 1960 onward What Is Protected? Assessment, Mitigation, and Compliance Phase 1: Identification and Preliminary Assessment Phase 2: Assessing Significance Phase 3: Management Plans and Mitigation Management versus Research Strategies of CRM Research Geomorphology Safety Technology Management Challenges Issues of Quality The Issue of Site Records The Issue of Curation The Issue of Publication and Dissemination Native Americans and CRM Public Archaeology Archaeological Tourism Summary Questions for Discussion

Chapter 15: So You Want to Become an Archaeologist? Archaeology as a Profession Deciding to Become an Archaeologist Gaining Fieldwork Experience Career Opportunities Academic Qualifications and Graduate School Thoughts on Not Becoming a Professional Archaeologist Our Responsibilities to the Past A Simple Code of Archaeological Ethics for All Summary

Sites and Cultures Mentioned in the Text Glossary of Technical Terms Guide to Further Reading References Photo Credits Index